[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 136 (Friday, July 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42763-42764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16172]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Mound City, 
MO

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that 
the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) is available for Squaw Creek NWR, Mound City, Missouri. 
The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, and using the preferred alternative, goals and objectives, 
we describe how the Service intends to manage these refuges over the 
next 15 years.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 27, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft CCP and EA are available on compact 
diskette or hard copy, you may obtain a copy by writing to: Squaw Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 158, Mound City, Missouri 64470 or 
you may access and download a copy at this Web site: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/squawcreek/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Bell, Refuge Manager, Squaw Creek 
NWR at (660) 442-3187.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comprehensive conservation plans guide 
management decisions over the course of 15 years.
    The planning process for Squaw Creek NWR began in 1999. Five 
management alternatives were considered. Alternative D, Optimizing 
Wildlife Habitat and Fish and Wildlife Populations With Enhanced Levels 
of Wildlife-dependent Recreation is the preferred alternative. This 
alternative seeks to maximize wildlife habitat and population 
management practices and opportunities without adversely impacting 
current levels of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. There 
will be no expansion of existing authorized boundaries.

[[Page 42764]]

    The CCP will identify and increase wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public including: Initiating a managed 
spring snow goose hunt; investigating the potential for a fishing 
access area and a white-tailed deer hunt for physically challenged 
visitors; and enhancing trails for wildlife observation and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

    Dated: February 20, 2004.

    Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the 
Federal Register on July 13, 2004.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 04-16172 Filed 7-15-04; 8:45 am]
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